Cancer and Business: Acting Together You’re part of the professional circle. What attitude should you adopt when your colleague or employee is away? Medical treatment is part of our personal life. Knowing whether to keep in touch may seem difficult. If your colleague is okay with it, email and SMS can be used to show your support from the appropriate distance. The core values: – Availability – Listening – Sincerity The right words: – I hear you. – We’re thinking of you. – Do you need anything? – Can we check in with you from time to time? – We’re looking forward to seeing you again. The right attitudes: – Knowing to reach out to your colleague. – Proposing to keep in touch in a way that suits everyone (who, when, how); reviewing this regularly. – Making yourself available when your colleague feels the time is right. – Adapting to any changes in your colleague’s wishes as a result of what they’re going through. – Accepting silence and absence. – Anticipating their return to work and preparing for it together. Bear in mind: Sick leave suspends an employment contract. The employee decides whether or not to remain connected to the company, as well as the type of connection. 9